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CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL
Here we go again and it's day 3 already of the greatest show on earth
Channel 4 commentator Simon Holt previews day three of Cheltenham and is keen on Whisper in the World Hurdle.
WHISPER, the winner of the Coral Cup at last year's Festival, is fancied to take another step forward by landing the Ladbrokes World Hurdle on what could be a good afternoon for his trainer Nicky Henderson at Cheltenham.
Despite a very quiet season so far, recent reports from Seven Barrows suggest that the gelding is returning to peak form after a disappointing defeat on his chasing debut at Exeter on New Years Day.
And Whisper is already proven at this level having gone on to win a Grade 1 at Aintree after his Festival victory. More ground versatile than some of his rivals, he could be the value bet in what looks an open renewal.
Zarkandar, who was competitive in Champion Hurdles, has thrived over three miles finishing fourth behind More Of That in this race last year and winning a valuable race at Auteuil in November. Always a horse who only does just enough, he idled in front and was mugged by Reve De Sivola in the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot in December and has been kept fresh for this.
Stable companion Saphir Du Rheu, whose owner Andy Stewart enjoyed a run of four Ladbrokes World Hurdle victories with the legendary Big Buck's, is also fancied to play a leading role.
The grey French import has something in common with his former stable-mate; Big Buck's was returned to hurdling glory after fluffing his lines over fences and Saphir Du Rheu has already done the same, beating Reve De Sivola, Un Temps Pour Tout and Cole Harden in the Cleeve Hurdle in January after two non-completions over the larger obstacles earlier in the season.
Still regarded as a potential star chaser of the future, this grand type looks a very sure stayer but his best form has come on quite deep ground.
Un Temps Pour Tout doesn't have too much to find on the Cleeve form and, given that it was his first try at the distance, shaped extremely well. David Pipe's gelding is well regarded and looks open to improvement.
Irish raider Lieutenant Colonel won Grade1s at Fairyhouse and Leopardstown in November/December but defeats in both races of Jetson, who has run well at the last two Festivals but in handicap company, suggests he may have a little to find.
On his best form, which includes a novice win here, a third in this race last year and second to Whisper at Aintree, At Fishers Cross must have a leading chance but he has been very disappointing so far this season.
In the Ryanair Chase, the Henderson-trained MA FILLEULE is fancied to turn the tables on Balder Succes for their running at Ascot recently.
This fine grey mare came to hand last spring, chasing home Gold Cup hopeful Holywell at this meeting before landing the Topham at Aintree and that recent effort suggests a very big run is on the cards.
Yes, Ma Filleule has nearly four lengths to find with Balder Succes but, for all the latter's attributes, Cheltenham has not been kind to him in three previous course visits over hurdles and fences, and he has yet to put in a clear round here.
Don Cossack has been in the form of his life in Ireland this season winning all four of his starts but fell here last year in the RSA Chase and, while this trip looks ideal, he was also soundly beaten by Holywell on these shores at Aintree last April.
Fellow raider Hidden Cyclone, second in this race last year behind the now absent Dynaste, might be better value than his compatriot while Johns Spirit has a fine record here, albeit on the sharper Old Course.
It can be dangerous to take conditions race form at face value but BROTHER BRIAN could be well handicapped in the Pertemps Network Final.
A highly-regarded horse at home, the seven-year-old was pitched in at the deep end and appeared to run well when third behind Rock On Ruby and Volnay De Thaix, two much higher rated hurdlers, at Cheltenham in December. A literal interpretation of the form suggests Hughie Morrison's charge could be a leading player here but, even if flattered that day, the handicapper appears to have treated him kindly in putting him up just 4lb.
This is a new trip for Brother Brian but he shapes like a stayer and was a course winner over two and a half miles last April.